Women's heart attack symptoms are different from men's
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Cardiovascular disease affects over 60 million women in the U.S. and is the leading cause of death among women, with 1 in 5 women dying from it annually, including 37,000 from heart attacks.
- Women often experience different and more subtle heart attack symptoms than men, such as back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and jaw pain, which can lead to delays in seeking treatment.
- Risk factors unique to women include autoimmune diseases, depression, pregnancy-related conditions, and menopausal symptoms, all of which can increase cardiovascular risk.
- Experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures outlined in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” including healthy eating, quitting tobacco, managing weight and blood
